Baby gorilla11/4/2022 ![]() The mountain gorilla population is growing in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park Other members of the AWF family who have also received the honor of naming a gorilla include former AWF board member Veronica Varekova, who in 2017 chose the name “Ubwiza” (which means “beauty”), and in 2018, Alexa Gray, the daughter of board member Donald Gray, named a baby gorilla “Kunesha” (which means “to win”). The lodge is based on gorilla tourism and promotes wildlife protection by linking conservation to jobs and other benefits to community members. AWF developed the partnership between the community and a private-sector operator to construct the lodge, which opened in 2007. He called her “Sacola,” in honor of the AWF partner, the SACOLA community trust, which owns Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. In 2008, AWF’s former CEO Patrick Bergin had the honor of naming one of the newborn gorillas. This was the second time an AWF CEO was given the opportunity to name a baby mountain gorilla at the prestigious global event. This year, the ceremony’s 18th year, AWF CEO Kaddu Sebunya was one of a group of 20 namers, which included His Royal Highness Prince Charles, actress Uzo Aduba, Chairman of the Rwanda Development Board Itzhak Fisher, Secretary General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie Louise Mushikiwabo, soccer stars Didier Drogba and Gilberto Silva, Afro-soul musical group Sauti Sol and many others. Over the last 18 years, 374 mountain gorillas have been named. The ceremony has proven to be the best opportunity to thank the communities that live around Volcanoes National Park, research partners, veterinarians, dedicated conservationists, rangers, and trackers who protect the gorillas. By giving a name to these majestic great apes - once critically endangered - a value is attached, one they undoubtedly deserve. ![]() In 2005, Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in what has become a global celebration of nature and conservation success. The annual gorilla naming ceremony is modeled on the centuries-old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends. In September every year, the town plays host to one of the biggest events in the Rwanda calendar – Kwita Izina. MoreĪt the foot of the chilly Volcanoes National Park lies Kinigi, a vibrant, emergent town that welcomes guests from across the world year-round to visit the astounding spectacle of nature that Rwanda has to offer, its mountain gorillas. ![]() She has years of experience in sustainable finance, strategic communications, and corporate public relations. Wambui Odhiambo is AWF's Senior Executive Communications Specialist. ![]()
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